On September 26 I traveled to Tepoztlan on a field trip with the USAC students. We hiked a trail to the top of a mountain that was incredibly steep and was entirely stair-stepped. I don't know the history behind it, but I assume that the "stairs" were placed by the indigenous people who had to climb the sheer cliff to build the pyramid that sits at the top. It was invigorating and the view from the top was beautiful. It overlooked the small town of Tepoztlan nestled below the majestic mountains. After the climb we spent the afternoon in the town. The town also had a lively market, delicious food, and of course a large church and an ex-convent. I have not been to many of the ruin sites yet, I am waiting to share that with my family when they arrive. Many of the students travel on the weekends, but I enjoy spending my weekends in Puebla with Margarita and other locals. The goal is to be surrounded by the language and prepare for my family to arrive.
This big guy was in my shower! Easily 2 inches long-- he had me squirming! I didn't tell Margarita, I just scooped him up with a long handled dust pan and put him outside. YIKES!
Other than a few pesky mosquitoes, this was my first BUG sighting. I hope he does not have a large family.
October 22. My sister Emma came to visit me in Puebla. It was surreal to be share this experience with her. It made the miles from home fade away for a few days. She brought me my new laptop, so I can do things like update my blog regularly and Skype with my family. Emma also brought along a care package from friends and family in Redding and other places. Thanks to all who included your special touches in the package. What a treat! I was crushed to see the invitation to the adult Halloween party Bill and I attend every year is themed "Michael Jackson" and I will not be there to attend. (Boo who!) I don't know who will dance Thriller and Beat It if I am not there! This photo is of Emma, Lupita (Margarita's daughter), Margarita (my amazing host mom), and me. Emma and I spent Friday exploring Cholula, and near by town, and going out with some locals. I had to speak spanish on our behalf the whole time and it was great practice for my language-- which is still a struggle. We hung out in the zocalo on Saturday, eating some delicious poblano cuisine and perusing the local markets. Sunday we attended church where the stake rearranged all the ward boundaries. I have to find my way to my new ward next Sunday. I will miss the Zaveleta ward, the members were so kind to me.
Emma enjoying Tacos Arabe and Quesidillas con Championes in the zocalo. If you don't come to Puebla to visit me, you must come for the food! Just ask Emma and my waistline.
Emma enjoying Tacos Arabe and Quesidillas con Championes in the zocalo. If you don't come to Puebla to visit me, you must come for the food! Just ask Emma and my waistline.
Sunday afternoon Emma and I made homemade tortillas. It was a practice run. While they were not perfect, we learned from our mistakes, and the tortillas were quite tasty. Here I am holding a carmeled apples, thanks to the kit sent from my friend Marci Rainey. Margarita and
Lupita were impressed that these could be made at home. Carmeled apples are available here, but are not as popular of a fall tradition as in the United States. They were simple and delicious!This is one of the birthday celebrations I have spent with Margarita and her large family. i love being with her family because it is a very familiar feeling. This is the traditional birthday song in Mexico, but most importantly is shows many members of her family, including her 91 year old mother, her 3 children, 2 grandchildren, as well as neices, nephews, brothers, sisters, etc. This party was held at Carmen's home in Puebla, one of Margarita's 9 siblings. It was to celebrate the 34th birthday of Maria-Carmen, Carmen's daughter.
This is VictorHugo! He turned two in September and invited me to his party! VictorHugo (aka Junior) is Margarita's nephew. His party was colorful and lively. A real celebration!
I love attending these family events! Margarita was concerened I may be overwhelmed with all the talking people. She didn't know who she was dealing with! I told her I felt right at home and would love to be included in as many of her families activities as they will allow me to attend! What a beautiful family. I was able to observe the interactions between the family members. I was so impressed by the genuine kindness and regard they had for one another. Each one did their part to help with serving, cleaning up, tending to the needs of grandma, or whatever was necessary. They are a great example of a caring family. I am blessed to know them.
